^{Saanichton, BC} Graphic Office Interiors: Showroom

Graphic Office Interiors, a renowned office design and furnishings company serving Vancouver Island since 1966, embarked on a unique lighting project for their personal office in Saanichton, BC. This project marked the first collaboration between Kelly Inglis of Mac’s II Agencies and Graphic Office Interiors’ in-house registered interior designer, Laura Harlos.

Sample Area Lighting Design

A 19-foot Ventrix track system was positioned above the sample drawers, away from the wall. The high Colour Rendering Index (CRI) of 90 ensured that even subtle differences in fabric colours and textures were visible, crucial when pulling various samples for projects. The wide beam spread is angled to allow light to cascade down toward the drawers, extending as far as the depth of the 4ft cabinet. Finished in black, the luminaire completely disappears when looking towards the black accent wall, non-competing with the focal point luminaire already on display within the room—architecturally beautiful.

Boardroom Lighting Design

The design journey began with the boardroom, a pivotal space that utilized Graphic Office Interiors’ signature sound controlled methods. The challenge was to reduce ceiling punctures to maintain sound controlled integrity while avoiding the common approach of filling the room with pot lights or troffers.

To achieve this, the WAC Lighting Ventrix track system (previously known as the Strut) was chosen and configured in a ‘U’ shape, suspending above the boardroom. This design minimized reflections on the monitor and provided ambient lighting without puncturing the ceiling. The system used ‘up-light’ technology, emitting light towards the ceiling, which, combined with the natural light from 60 feet of windows, created a comfortable glow without harsh shadows. The up-light recreates the sensation of daylight, offering a pleasant and comfortable illumination.

The lighting calculations and heat mapping were invaluable assets throughout the entire process. Visualizing the distribution of light, identifying both well-lit and darker spots, enhanced the overall lighting quality and prevented issues like glare and uneven lighting, instilling confidence in the clients by meeting their specific needs with precision and efficiency.

This collaboration enhanced the functionality and aesthetics of Graphic Office Interiors’ workspace but also demonstrated the power of combining innovative lighting solutions with state-of-the-art office design.